Whether you want an SUV that's big and powerful, flashy and full-featured, or is a relatively fuel-efficient hybrid, the 2013 GMC Yukon has a good chance of fitting your needs and style. Variety is aplenty in this full-size SUV that is a sibling to the Tahoe and Suburban from GM stablemate Chevrolet. This 3-row SUV comes in regular and extended lengths, with rear- (2WD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD), and with a variety of engine options, including a hybrid setup that enables this rig to achieve up to 23 mpg. In high-end Denali form, it can give a Cadillac Escalade a run for its money. If your needs are more pragmatic and involve towing up to 9,600 pounds, that can be accomplished with the three-quarter-ton 2500 model.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you regularly need to carry eight or nine people and their gear – and don't want to be seen in a minivan – the GMC easily accommodates passengers and cargo. Those who need serious towing ability will find plenty of it even in lower-trim models of the 2013 Yukon.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you don't need to tow heavy loads and would like an SUV that's more fuel-efficient and easier to maneuver, a vehicle such as the 2013 GMC Acadia or 2013 Honda Pilot would make a more sensible choice.

What's New for 2013

The 2013 GMC Yukon carries over unchanged except for a new exterior color (Champagne Silver Metallic) and the ability to use powertrain grade braking in normal transmission mode to reduce brake wear when going downhill.

Driving the Yukon XL 1500

Driving Impressions
Though their size can make these vehicles unwieldy to maneuver in tight spots, the 2013 GMC Yukon has a confident and civilized ride once on the road. The three V8...

engines offered (5.3-liter in the Yukon, 6.0-liter in the Yukon XL and 6.2-liter in the Denali) offer decent-to-good passing power for such a large vehicle. In hybrid form, these SUVs team the 6.0-liter V8 engine with a pair of battery-powered electric motors to attain better fuel economy, something for which the other versions are not known. Even with the increased fuel economy, hybrid versions can still tow at least 6,000 pounds. Overall, the Yukon has a surprisingly comfortable, compliant ride. Gasoline models shift smoothly with their 6-speed automatic transmission, while hybrid versions use an electrically variable version and automatic start/stop function to conserve fuel.

Favorite Features

ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT While SUVs and hyper-miling don't exactly go hand in hand, the Yukon does what it can to eke out a few more miles per gallon with GM's Active Fuel Management. The 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines use this technology to essentially turn their 8-cylinder engines into 4-cylinder engines when less power is needed. Fewer running cylinders means less fuel consumed.

BLIND SPOT MONITORINGWith the proliferation of smaller cars on the road, drivers of big vehicles such as the Yukon can only benefit from extra safety features. This one – standard on Denali and optional on SLT models – uses radar beams to keep high-tech eyes focused on the spots that yours may miss.

2013 GMC Yukon XL 1500 Details

Interior

Technically, the 2013 GMC Yukon can carry up to nine people across three rows of seats. But buyers who opt for this setup will likely be in the minority, as customers often choose the more comfortable setup of twin bucket seats up front. This also leaves room for a big center console between those seats to store items large and small. Indeed, this big vehicle's exterior dimensions and boxy shape give it the kind of space that could command rent in New York City. Even standard-length models have a good amount of cargo space behind their third-row seats. If you regularly need to carry adults in the third row, the XL is the better choice.

Exterior

The 2013 GMC Yukon definitely appears imposing. Park it next to a Yukon XL model, though, and watch how quickly the regular-length version disappears. At 222.4 inches long, the XL adds 20 inches and, from bow to stern, rivals 1970s' land barges like the Cadillac Fleetwood and Lincoln Continental. Denali versions add bling to the Yukon's outer box with features like a honeycomb grille, power-retractable side steps and 20-inch wheels. Hybrid models are slightly altered with a lowered front, and aluminum hood and liftgate for better aerodynamics and less weight. Denali versions of the hybrid ride on massive, 22-inch chrome wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2013 Yukon SLE comes with power front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and AM/FM/CD stereo system with USB port and nine Bose speakers. SLT models add leather seats, power-adjustable pedals, rearview camera and rear-parking sensor. Denali models up the ante with a larger and more powerful V8 engine, AutoRide suspension for a more comfortable ride, heated and cooled front seats, 10-speaker sound system, and blind-zone monitoring. Hybrid versions, like Denali models, have navigation standard along with other features found in higher-trim Yukon SLT models.

Optional Equipment

Many of the features found on the top-line 2013 GMC Yukon Denali can also be added to SLE and SLT versions as options. Among them are navigation systems and heated and cooled front seats. Other options include 4-wheel-drive, power moonroof, 20- or 22-inch wheels, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, heavy-duty trailering package, blind-spot monitoring system, chrome grille, and assist steps for easier entry into this tall SUV.

Under the Hood

The 2013 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SLE and SLT models are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 engine that makes 320 horsepower and that can also run on an ethanol blend. Yukon XL 2500 models are heavy-duty, three-quarter-ton vehicles that use a 6.0-liter V8 engine good for 352 horsepower. Yukon Denali models use an even bigger, 6.2-liter V8 that makes 403 horsepower. Yukon Hybrid models are fitted with a 6.0-liter V8 paired to a 2-mode system that employs two 60-kilowatt electric motors. All models except the hybrid use a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid has an electrically variable transmission (EVT).

I love my truck! Comfortable & stylish

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

9/10

Performance

8/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

9/10

Cons: "Not fantastic on the gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had no issues with this vehicle what so ever, it has been a wonderful truck and I will definitely be purchasing another. The ride is great, the suspension is tight and turns very well. The engine has plenty of power. The only thing that would make this a 10 out of 10 would be if it got a bit better gas mileage."

Has been an excellent performer.

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

8/10

Value

8/10

Reliability

9/10

Quality

7/10

Performance

9/10

Styling

7/10

Comfort

8/10

Pros: "Good performer"

Cons: "cracked dash, poor quality brake rotors"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Used primarily for long trips in business. Much better than Chev. Suburbans owned in the past. Only complaints are poor quality brake rotors that needed turning within first two weeks and cracked dash. Apparently the poor quality vinyl dash is a characteristic of this year model.
The seats were always less comfortable than the Ford counterparts as well as other non-GM vehicles.
We will not replace it with another GMC or Chev because of high cost."

Great car

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

9/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 3rd Yukon in a row and my first XL. I have had it for 4 years and have replaced 1 sensor ($300), battery, and 2 sets of tires in $140,000 miles! Beautiful vehicle - carries everything - and is reliable as can be."

"This is my second Yukon. Love the way it preforms. I also pull a 19' boat with it and 7 passengers and you never know the boat is there. Very comfortable and roomy. Has some great luxuries like the heated second row seats. Wish they all came with 6 disc changers though. My only complaint other than gas mileage is consistent at 16.5 mpg highway and city.
The Tahoe does not come close to the quality or looks of the Yukon."